Tanner Pearson Injury Update, Los Angeles Kings Response
Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Pearson left Saturday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets in the second period.
Pearson was skating fast to the front of the Winnipeg Jets net when he lost his footing, sliding hard into the end boards. Pearson skated off the ice putting all his weight on his right leg and did not return.
Jan 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Tanner Pearson (70) leaves the ice after suffering an apparent injury in the second period of the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
After the game, word started to circulate that Pearson had broken his left leg.
This afternoon the Kings revealed that Pearson has fractured his left fibula. The fibula is the more slender of the two long bones that form the lower half of the leg from the knee down to the ankle. The fibula connects the back of the leg to the back of the ankle, which the bone helps to form.
Based on the evaluation of L.A. Kings Insider Jon Rosen, the Kings are expected to call up a forward from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs.
Despite having healthy forwards Jordan Nolan and Andy Andreoff on the roster, the Kings will most likely call up center Nick Shore.
The 22-year-old Shore is second on the Monarchs and second in the AHL in points this season; Shore leads the Monarchs and is tied for the league lead in goals. In 37 games Shore has accrued 20 goals, 21 assists, and 41 points; including 7 power-play goals, another team best. Shore also leads Manchester and the AHL in plus/minus with a +22 rating.
There is no time-table on Pearson’s return to the lineup.
A broken leg typically takes three-to-four months to heal properly and recover. Last season there was the unfathomable recovery of Tampa Bay Lightning super-star Steven Stamkos who recovered from a broken leg that required surgery in less than three months.
If Pearson’s recovery takes three-to-four months he could miss the rest of the 2014-2015 regular season. Hopefully the Kings will get Pearson back in five-to-six weeks; just in time for L.A.’s usual, big playoff push.
Next: Kings Defeated by Jets in a 5-4 Shootout
Jan 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Tanner Pearson (70), Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) and defenseman Jay Harrison (23) battle in front of the net in the second period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports